Best Senior Dog Food New Update 2021

As a dog gets older, obesity, arthritis, cognitive & appetite loss shall become common problems. Thus, your dogs need special food to reduce those troubles’ effects and help them to extend their lifespan and live a more comfortable life.

Because senior dogs are so various in individual needs, there are also so many varieties of commercial food for them. Though Neither the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nor the National Research Council has determined official dietary requirements for aging dogs, you could trust in some big brands below which have been proven as the best senior dog foods in recent years in the current market.

 

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Top 5 Best Senior Dog Food New Update 2021

 

Top 1 best senior dog food, all breeds Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Senior 7+ Formula Dog Food

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Brand popularity: considering all the troubles of old dogs, Purina has developed a separate and unique formula providing protein-rich meals for your senior dogs to keep up their adventurous life. Moreover, a complete and balanced diet from the blend of whole grains and animal fat as well as vitamin supplements shall help your dog to maintain a cognitive system and live a longer life.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Oat Meal, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Vegetable Oil, Whole Grain Wheat, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Pea Fiber, Poultry And Pork Digest, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Sulfur, Garlic Oil E-4.

Calorie content: 3,786 kcal/kg, 363 kcal/cup.

 

Pros:

Served with chicken as the first ingredient to provide high-quality protein meals for fueling your senior dogs’ muscle and keep him up with his active life.

No phosphorus in the ingredients as you could see to support your furry friend’s old kidney.

Poultry by-products as a source of glucosamine to promote healthy joints and so support the bones.

The wholesome ingredients support your buddy’s digestive system.

 

Precautions:              

As stated above, adult dogs are very different in metabolism, activity level, etc. among individuals. That’s the reason why it requires your carefulness and hard work in monitoring the feeding amount. If you are in the middle of nowhere, starting with the feeding amount suggested by Purina ONE is not a bad choice. Restrict your feeding amount at the point which is the best weight for your senior dog.

A transition course of from 7 to 10 days will help your dog avoid any digestive upset.

 

Top 2 best senior dog food, all-breed Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food Formula 

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Brand popularity: this is the special blend for only aging dogs with carefully determined protein and fat plus glucosamine and chondroitin for joints and superfoods, selenium and vitamin E provide antioxidants for a longer, healthier life for your dogs.

Main ingredients: Whole grain brown rice, chicken, chicken meal, peas, egg, oatmeal, rice bran, dried beet pulp, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, flaxseed, potassium chloride, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, dried chicory root, L-Carnitine, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, quinoa, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, beta carotene, chondroitin sulfate, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid.

Calorie content: 3,400 kcal/kg (318 kcal/cup).

 

Pros:

Highly blended glucosamine (720 mg/kg Minimum) and chondroitin sulfate (240 mg/kg Minimum) support joints and bones.

Protein-rich formula (25% minimum) helps your dogs reduce body mass loss.

Crude fiber supports the digestive system and balanced formula of vitamins and minerals, richness in selenium and vitamin E, as well as antioxidants from fruits and other supplements, increase your dogs’ longevity and stretch the youthfulness.

 

Precautions:

To support his furry coat, put some fish oil into the food and you will see the differences.

Remember to put some clean water around your pets at all times.

A gradual transition course of 7 – 10 days should be applied. For dogs with sensitivities, extent the gradual transition time to 14 days.

 

Top 3 best senior dog food, all-breed sizes IAMS Proactive Health Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken flavor

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Brand popularity: IAMS has researched carefully the differences of senior/aging dogs to select the most natural and healthy food to support his longevity. Let try and see the difference from IAMS.

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Carrot, Marine Microalgae (source of DHA), Caramel Color, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide), Calcium Carbonate, Chicken Meal, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta Carotene, L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Citric Acid (preservative), Rosemary Extract.

Calorie content: 3,435 kcal/kg, 349 kcal/cup.

Pros:

Starting with real meat from farm-raised chicken and chick by-product meal, this food provides a huge source of protein (24%) and glucosamine for your dog to keep up with his strong body muscle, healthy joints and reduce mass loss.

Diverse sources of DHA, L-Lysine, beta carotene, and vitamin A support your dog’s cognitive and visual systems.

High crude fiber (5%) supports a healthy digestive system.

Omega fatty acid richness (1.6%) shall help support your longtime fur-iends a luxurious coat and healthy skin

Precautions:

Some people have claimed on the big kibble and require mini chunks. So if your toy dogs have been familiar with small kibble, we would not recommend using this product.

 

Top 4 best senior dog food for small breed Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

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Brand popularity: this formula is specially designated for aging small breeds or toy breeds. The complete and balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates from wholesome grains plus reasonable lower supplements of minerals and vitamins to supports senior dogs’ kidneys shall provide your little one an active and longer life.

Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Oats, Pork Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Pork Flavor, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Lysine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.

Calorie content: 3558 kcal/kg (353 kcal/cup).

 

Pros:

Lower calcium (1.18%) and phosphorus (0.69%) on average plus a balanced formula of other vitamins and minerals help support the heart and kidney of your long-time old friends.

Glucosamine-rich blend (525 ppm) helps to improve joint health.

A blend of protein (19%), fat (13.7%), and carbohydrates from wholesome grains plus crude fiber (58.2%) will help your dog keep up with his active life. High carbohydrate and fat support low sugar blood – a characteristic of small breed dogs.

 

Precautions:

The high carbohydrate and fat may increase your dog’s weight quickly. Start with a transition course and restricted by Hill’s feeding amount instruction. Reduce it gradually if your dog weight is still increasing and stay at the optimal weight of your dog.

This formula is not designated for puppies, pregnant, or nursing dogs.

 

Top 5 best senior dog food, small breed Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dog Food

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Brand popularity: this formula is specially designated by BLUE to meet the separate requirements of small breed aging dogs, including the protein-richness, special blend of vitamins and minerals, and supplements for maintaining the cognitive system and your little friend’s appetite.

Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Peas, Rice Bran, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Potato Starch, Dried Chicory Root, DL-Methionine, Caramel, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Spinach, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Pumpkin, Barley Grass, Turmeric, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Taurine, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Beta Carotene, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite.

 

Pros:

Diverse sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids (0.75% min) and Omega 6 Fatty Acids (2.25%) really help your dog in maintaining his luxurious furry coat and keep up his healthy skin.

The balance of calcium and phosphorus (0.9% min 0.7% min respectively) helps to avoid kidney overload.

Meanwhile, protein-richness from chicken also keeps up the body mass of your little buddy.

Glucosamine (400 mg/kg min) and Chondroitin Sulfate (300 mg/kg min) help to maintain healthy joints and overall mobility.

 

Precautions:

A transition course with a start of 25% BLUE’s food and up to 14 days shall help your folks avoid any digestive upset.

 

Why senior dog food?

The first step is to figure it out why senior dogs need special care and then special food.

As stated above, senior dogs have aging problems which mainly include obesity or body mass loss, arthritis, cognitive and appetite loss.

That’s the reason why the food for old dogs should be protein-rich contrary to people’s beliefs. The protein shall fuel the muscle and keep it strong. Some old dogs even have lost too much body mass that they no longer can walk. Thus, you should focus on protein on the nutrient table printed on the dog food packaging.

The trouble of aging also comes from arthritis, when the joints have lost their flexibility and make the bones scratch each other and cause pain to your furry friends. In this case, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate will help.

Meanwhile, to boost the cognitive and appetite as well as adding antioxidants, the supplements of vitamins, minerals are very important. However, old dogs shall also increase the possibilities of heart and kidney diseases if the supplements are too heavy. The supplements of sodium, phosphorus, and calcium in the older life of dogs should be much lower than younger dogs.

For all of those differences of aging dogs, we should pick up the food which is specially designated for the older life of our furry friends, though for most kinds of foods, we will also have to regulate the feeding amounts to restrict the calorie and weight of your dogs.

 

How should we feed senior dog food?

There are some tips you should it available on hand when taking care of your dogs.

A dental problem is a feature that should be counted when feeding your long-time friends. Kibble size should be smaller than younger dogs. Moreover, wet dog food as a topper or make dry dog food semi-moist with a warm cook could raise appetite and make it easy for your dog’s jaws.

Please always make the food available and palatable on a regular schedule for your dog. Do not wait until he feels hungry because the very old dogs may lose that feeling sometimes and become desperate later.

Last but not least, let make the food convenient for your old furry friends. They are easy to become tired if they have to stand for a long time to eat. Cuddle him and encourage him to lay down and eat is also a good tactic.

 

FAQs

How much protein should I feed my senior dog?

Some veterinarians recommended 28 to 32 percent on a dry matter basis for protein. This means roughly 25 to 28 percent with those foods included 10% of moisture. An unbalanced meal which is usually too much in fat and carbohydrates also makes your dog overweight, weakens the body mass, and boosts the aging process.

 

How much fiber should I feed my senior dog?

The fiber in dog’s diets helps them to eat more with a lower calorie. However, remember that old dogs who start losing weight do not need to lose weight. Moreover, cellulose-based fiber without fermentation supplements can significantly reduce dog’s digestibility.

Recent findings show that more fermentable fiber like beet pulp could help regulate glucose rate and boost nutrient digestion for your older friends.